Hi, yes you can change your name while you are in college. Before you change it for your college degree certificate you will have to change your basic documents. There are different formalities of every institution so it is the best if you ask your college for it and do it accordingly.

Firstly you will have to make an affidavit. This is done in your local notary. Here you will have to give a very genuine reason as to why you have to change your name. Once this is done you can publish it on your local newspaper. After publishing you will have do get Gazette notification done from local press office. This is the most tedious work in the whole process. The requirements there are

1. A letter to the secretary stating that you want to change your name and request him/her to allow you to do that.

2. The ‘deed changing surname form’

3. At least 2 copies of local newspaper which published your name.

4. Attested copy of the affidavit.

5. A copy of your present identity (PAN card, voter ID card, Passport etc).

After this you can do whatever your college has asked you to do. Let them know that you have done all the legal procedures and they will guide you.

Hope this helps. If you still have doubts please feel free to comment.